Salou, Spain (May 17, 2013) — PortAventura presents once again for this year a project that will be a European benchmark: the expansion of Costa Caribe Aquatic Park. This new attraction is part of the resort’s development strategy, in which it aims to become the best European family holiday destination: a concept defined as European Destination Resort. This project also reflects a commitment to investment within the region which has led to PortAventura earmarking more than 70 million Euros for new initiatives within the last 3 years.
Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, PortAventura’s water park, today starts the 2013 season with an ample new expansion of 14,000 m2, on which they have built a new benchmark attraction King Khajuna, the highest free fall slide in Europe.
The christening of this new area was attended by some exceptional godmothers: the swimmers from Spain’s national ladies synchronised swimming team, who inaugurated the pools with their best choreography. One of them, Paula Klamburg, has been the first one to try King Khajuna, and has defined as “an amazing experiencie and an indescribable sensation. I’ve enjoyed it very much”.
The Costa Caribe Aquatic Park project consists of an additional 14,000 m2 of new facilities, increasing the total surface area of the park to 50,000 m2. The extension, which is due to open to the public tomorrow, is the result of a 10-million Euro investment.
The water park is a continuation of one of PortAventura theme park’s most successful projects: the family area of SésamoAventura,which saw the largest expansion in the park’s history with more than 13,000 m2 of new attractions for families, and Shambhala, Europe’s highest roller coaster. Both projects have created new emblems for the park and have turned PortAventura into a leading family-oriented European Destination Resort.
Members of the public visiting Costa Caribe Aquatic Park this season can enjoy numerous new attractions:
King Khajuna, a 12-storey high slide
Amongst the new water attractions there is one in particular that stands out, the highest free fall slide in Europe. A real challenge for the most adventurous measuring 31 metres in height, the equivalent of a 12-storey building. It is the highest slide of its kind in Europe. Adventurers who dare ride it must face a dizzying 55° descent at a speed of more than 6 metres per second. Without doubt an unforgettable experience.
Ciclón Tropical
Next to the highest slide there is Ciclón Tropical, a second slide for those who prefer an experience that is less extreme but just as much fun. A Multi-Bumpslide, Ciclón Tropical is 19.64 metres high and offers an undulating descent of over 100 metres with two steep drops.
Sésamo Beach
The new children’s swimming pool has two depth levels: 50 cm and 30 cm for younger children. One of the central features of this space is the Galeón Pirata, a pirate ship filled with Sesame Street characters, where children will have a great time exploring its decks or zipping down its 4 slides. By the side of the children’s swimming pool you will also find Cayo Cookie, a play area with water jets for children to have fun.
Rapid Race
In another section of the park there is Rapid Race, a 6-lane slide for both children and adults to compete to see who gets down the fastest. For the descent, visitors will lie down on a mat and be projected forward at full speed. The way down is filled with steep drops and thrilling cascades.
Playa Paraíso
Connected to the children’s swimming people there is Playa Paraíso, the pool for all the family. Both are situated on different levels, generating a waterfall from the children’s swimming pool. Playa Paraíso has been designed for swimming, fun, but also for relaxation. For this very reason it has been equipped with shallow water beds and invigorating water effects. Just like the children’s pool, the adult pool also has a pleasant waterfall that makes the Caribbean theme of the area even more real.
Caribbean setting
In addition to the waterfalls, the PortAventura development team has created a detailed theme for the park so that the whole family can experience a Caribbean adventure that combines excitement with relaxation. The park has large areas of greenery with more than 50 species of plants and palms, and the restaurant Focacceria. Each aspect of the décor transports guests to the Caribbean, from the signs to the pergolas, passing by the solarium and food outlets.
With the expansion, Costa Caribe Aquatic Park has a total surface area of 50,000 m2, 16 attractions and slides as well as over 8500 m2 of water, and 5000 m2 of greenery and relaxation areas. A new snack bar will also be installed to complement the range of food on offer within the water park.